🔍

East Arnhem

NT 822 • Rest of NT

1,194
Population (2021)
$63,648
Median Household Income
30593.67 km²
Area
$35/wk
Median Rent
RemoteIndigenous CommunityCultural HeritageWildernessPermit Required

About East Arnhem

East Arnhem is a vast remote region in the Northern Territory's north-east, encompassing approximately 30,594 square kilometres of traditional Yolŋu Aboriginal land. With a population of around 1,194, the region is home to nine distinct Indigenous communities including Galiwin'ku, Yirrkala, and Milingimbi. The area is characterised by pristine wilderness, rich Indigenous culture, and limited infrastructure, accessible primarily via the 685-kilometre Central Arnhem Road from the Stuart Highway.

Life in East Arnhem revolves around traditional Yolŋu culture, with communities maintaining strong connections to country through art, ceremony, and land management. The region offers world-class fishing, unique wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences. Visitors require permits from the Northern Land Council, and a 4WD vehicle is essential. The area attracts cultural tourists, researchers, and those seeking genuine remote Australian wilderness experiences.

East Arnhem falls under postcode 822 and is governed by East Arnhem Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Arnhem electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Northern Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
822
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
East Arnhem
Federal Electorate
Lingiari
State Electorate
Arnhem
Type
Rural
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-12.66°, 135.81°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
30593.67 km²
Elevation
85m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$35
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,500
Avg Household Size
4.9 people
Median Age
27 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
41.6%

31 state housing + 41 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Katherine

Distance
685 km
By Car (Peak)
8+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
8+ hours

🛣️ 4WD required via Central Arnhem Road. Permit required from Northern Land Council. Road may be impassable in wet season.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Extremely remote region with no public transport. 4WD vehicle essential for all travel.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,004
Census 2021
1,194
▲ 18.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$10,972
Personal Income 2021
$14,612
▲ 33.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$14,612 / yr
$281/wk
Household
$63,648 / yr
$1224/wk
Family
$40,248 / yr
$774/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,134
Born Overseas 12

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Fiji 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 1,125
English 14
Scottish 9
Australian 7
Maori 6

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,121
Both parents born in Australia
12
Both parents born overseas
4
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.3%
No Religion
11.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
73 (6.1%)
5-14 years
203 (17.0%)
15-19 years
133 (11.1%)
20-24 years
132 (11.1%)
25-34 years
188 (15.7%)
35-44 years
159 (13.3%)
45-54 years
151 (12.6%)
55-64 years
90 (7.5%)
65-74 years
44 (3.7%)
75-84 years
15 (1.3%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is East Arnhem known for? +

East Arnhem Land is known for its exceptional Yolngu cultural heritage, traditional art (particularly bark painting and sculpture), music including yidaki (didgeridoo), and the annual Garma Festival at Gulkula. Access requires a permit from the Northern Land Council.

How far is East Arnhem from Darwin? +

East Arnhem is approximately 600-700 kilometres east of Darwin, accessible by air via Nhulunbuy (Gove) Airport, with scheduled services from Darwin. Road access is limited and requires permits for some areas.

Does East Arnhem have public transport? +

East Arnhem communities are primarily accessed by air via scheduled services to Nhulunbuy and community airstrips. There is no public road transport; vehicles and aircraft are the primary means of access.

What is the population of East Arnhem? +

According to the 2021 Census, the East Arnhem locality has a population of approximately 1,194 residents, predominantly Yolngu Aboriginal people across multiple remote communities.

Is East Arnhem a good place to live? +

East Arnhem suits those working in community services, education, healthcare, or the resource sector, or Yolngu people living on their traditional Country. The region offers a unique cultural experience in a remote wilderness setting, but services are limited and permits are required.

What is the postcode for East Arnhem? +

The postcode for East Arnhem is 822.

What is the average income in East Arnhem? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in East Arnhem is about $281 per week (around $14,600 per year). The median household income is $1,224 per week and the median family income is $774 per week.

What is the age profile of East Arnhem? +

The median age in East Arnhem is 27. The largest age group is 5–14 (203 residents, around 17%). Around 34% of residents are under 20 and about 5% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in East Arnhem? +

In East Arnhem, the median weekly rent is $35, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,500 (2021 Census).